The issue of the exclusive theatrical release has been discussed quite a bit in 2021, especially as we watched Warner Bros. release so many films day-and-date on HBO Max and in cinemas. And in just one year, we’ve seen exclusive theatrical windows go from 60 to 90 days to, at most, 45 and in many cases, disappear completely. And this is a concern that worries “Dune” filmmaker Denis Villeneuve.
Speaking as part of the THR Roundtable focused on producers of 2021 awards contending films, Denis Villeneuve talked about the film industry concern that keeps him up at night. And it might not be all that surprising, the issue is with the survival of the theatrical experience.
“For me, it’s the lost equilibrium between streaming and the theatrical release,” said Villeneuve. “I love streaming. I think it’s a very strong tool to explore a story of cinema. But it’s important to protect a window for theatrical release, and that keeps me up at night.”
He added, “We are not meant to be isolated. We are meant to be together, to share.”
Also in the discussion is Mahershala Ali, promoting his new film, “Swan Song,” which is an Apple TV+ production. In response to the issue of the theatrical experience, Ali believes there is an appropriate time to watch a film alone at home, especially if it’s an emotional experience.
“It’s interesting, this idea that there may be films that are really well-suited for the streaming platforms that also should have a space in theaters,” Ali explained. “But just to speak quickly about ‘Swan Song,’ some people are having somewhat of a cathartic experience with it. Sometimes it feels more appropriate for you to have that in a really private space, a private setting where you can weep openly if you need to or have an experience that allows you to feel alone in private or with your loved one and having that within the confines of your own home. I do think that there are instances where both can work, and work really well. And I think we have to find a way for those two things to work really well together.”
Clearly, Villeneuve’s ideas about the preservation of the theatrical experience come as a result of his experience with “Dune.” Originally slated as a theatrical exclusive release, the pandemic delayed “Dune” by a full year, and the film was lumped in with the rest of Warner Bros.’ 2021 releases, which are getting simultaneous theatrical and HBO Max releases. Villeneuve has been a vocal opponent of this idea but acquiesced because he wanted “Dune” to be released ASAP.
Of course, what happened with “Dune” is that the film was able to still have an incredibly solid box office run (approaching $400 million worldwide) and was quickly given a sequel green light. So, all’s well that ends well, right? Obviously, for Villeneuve, as long as “Dune 2” gets that exclusive theatrical release, he’ll be happy.